New regulations ahead for Airbnb in Ireland

In order to mitigate price increases in areas where housing demand is high, the government has decided to introduce new rules concerning the rental of tourist accommodations, including Airbnb accommodations.

For example, the government has decided to allow temporary rentals only by owners of principal residences registered with the authorities; these will be limited to 90 days per year and can only be made for short periods, "for example 14 days or less at a time".

Second homes will require a permit from authorities in order to be rented and "it is unlikely that permission will be granted in areas with high demand for housing," the government statement warns.

The announcement of these new measures follows the occupation of Airbnb's Dublin offices by 13 demonstrators from the organisation "Take Back the City".